Final answer:
A thorough surgical hand scrub effectively lowers the count of Staphylococcus aureus on a surgical technologist, which is crucial for maintaining aseptic technique and preventing patient infection.
Correct option is D
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of Staphylococcus aureus micro-organisms carried by a surgical technologist can be drastically reduced by a thorough surgical hand scrub. Surgical scrubbing goes beyond routine handwashing by significantly reducing the microbial flora on the skin's surface to prevent the introduction of these microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. Surgical scrubs may vary in their protocol, but the goal remains consistent: to provide a sterile environment and prevent postsurgical infections which once had deadly impacts as noted by the historical work of Joseph Lister and his aseptic techniques, which are now standard practices.
Proper surgical hand scrub is integral for maintaining aseptic technique, crucial in preventing contamination of sterile surfaces during medical procedures. Such procedures include creating a sterile field, strict washing protocols, application of sterilants, and meticulous hygiene practices, especially in cases where patients are carrying contagious strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Aseptic techniques combined with surgical hand scrubs are essential for health-care workers to prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening infections to patients.